Reducing carbon footprints during “No Impact Week”
Georgia Southern University’s Center for Sustainability will host a number of events throughout April that are designed improve and protect our environment and change behavior when it comes to food, energy, water and waste. The focal point is “No Impact Week,” to be held April 14-21.
“No Impact Week engages our campus in extended sustainability awareness with challenges, action and positive choices that are within our control,” said Lissa Leege, director of the Center for Sustainability. “It gives participants power in the face of difficult environmental problems and shows us that collectively, our small lifestyle changes can result in a large impact on the planet.”
The goal of the environmental education activities is to share ideas and information and learn to live by leaving as little of a carbon footprint as possible. “Our campus will offer more than 25 events over the course of the week that emphasize the themes of the day which include consumption, trash, food, transportation, water, energy and giving back,” explained Leege. “Our outreach centers will even get in on the act with special ‘No Impact Week’ programs for the public.”
A highlight of “No Impact Week” is a presentation from New York Times best-selling author Van Jones on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 847 Plant Drive. Jones, who has worked as a green jobs advisor to the Obama White House, is the founder of Green For All, a national organization that creates green jobs in disadvantaged communities.
In celebration of Earth Day on Monday, April 22, U.S. Representative John Barrow, Georgia’s 12th District Democratic congressman, will join leaders of utility companies and environmental groups for a discussion on the future energy needs of Georgia. The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center Assembly Hall. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Georgia Southern is the only university in the United States to participate in “No Impact Week” for three consecutive years and is a joint project between the Center for Sustainability and the University Wellness Program with support from CLEC (Campus Life Enrichment Committee), the Multicultural Student Center, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the College of Science and Mathematics for various events. See the full calendar of “No Impact Week” events by visiting: http://recreation.georgiasouthern.edu/wellness/special-events/no-impact-week/.
Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 120 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.
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